dress it up

Alberta Ferretti has gained a cult following for her ultra-feminine cocktail dresses and gowns

I work all day. I’m a real woman. I cater to different needs. I’m not tall and I’m a bit, shall we say, rounded. I understand such problems and always design clothes that I myself would like to wear.” That’s Alberta Ferretti for you. The Milanbased designer known for her designs featuring twisting, tucking, and draping techniques employs a subtle layered look, sometimes showing a hint of hand-beaded gauze which extends slightly beneath the hem of a wool dress.

The line has gained a following for her ultra-feminine cocktail dresses and red-carpet worthy evening gowns in fluttery bolts of chiffon, draped georgette, charmeuse, and satin. Her resort collection looks right whether the Ferretti woman is in a piazza in Capri or by the fire in Connecticut. Reason why, she has clients among celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Debra Messing, Jennifer Lopez and others. Beside her couture line Alberta Ferretti’s other products include eyewear, handbags, shoes and fragrances.

1968		Opens her first boutique, Jolly, in Cattolica
1970		Jolly begins selling the work of then-unknown designers like Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace
1973		Designs her first collection; co-founds Aeffe
1980		Signs upcoming Italian designer Enrico Coveri
1989		Launches Ferretti Jeans Philosophy
1993		Ferretti presents clothes reminiscent of The Great Gatsby at Milan
1994		Ferretti Jeans Philosophy turns Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti
1998		Begins in-store boutiques for Ferretti lines
2000		Alberta signs licensing deal with P& G for a fragrance line
2002		Ferretti designs the caftan worn by Madonna in Swept Away
2008		Targets the cocktail crowd with chiffon and jersey fashions
2011		Collection presented at the The Brandery Fashion Show